How therapy helps with the trauma of sexual harassment

Sexual harassment affects more women than you can imagine and in varying degrees. For some women, they are able to rise above the horror of being sexually abused or harassed while for others, the impact is so great that they need professional help.

In Nigeria, most people would rather suffer in silence than seek the help of a therapist. The stigma attached to the practice alone makes spending on it seem like a waste of money. However, don't let anyone deny you of the chance to get all the help you need to heal.

Bear in mind, though, that before you settle on a therapist to patronize, check out the person's credentials and ideally, choose one based on a recommendation. Also, make sure the therapist has experience in sexually-related trauma. If possible, meet with the therapist before you begin sessions to see if you two are a fit. All these are important because you are about to open up a vulnerable side of your life so that person had better be able to help.

As to how therapy helps with sexual harassment, first of all, it helps you confront the issue. This is the first step to healing. It may be very painful but it's essential.

Secondly, therapy may teach you proven coping techniques and exercises so that you can do away with the demons from the terrible incident.

Also, therapy might be the only place you can truly be yourself and open up about your worst fears. The things you might not be able to say to the closest loved one may end up finding expression during a session. Then you can finally say bye bye to the feeling that no one understands what you have been through.

Bottling up sexual harassment can be very traumatic. Talk about it and learn how to leave behind its ugly vestiges.